Further Reforms to Test China's New Leadership

The Communist Party of China (CPC) has enhanced consensus on future reforms at the just-concluded national congress, which analysts say will pave the way for the new leadership to tackle public concerns essential to China's sustainable development.

According to the newly amended CPC Constitution endorsed by the 18th National Congress on Wednesday, reform and opening up have been highlighted as "the path to a stronger China" and the "salient feature" of the new period in China.

The inclusion of this statement into the Constitution will help the whole Party acquire a deeper understanding of the importance to carry on reform and opening up, and thus pursue this endeavor more consciously and with greater determination, said a resolution of the congress on an amendment to the Constitution.

"Only reform and opening up can enable China, socialism and Marxism to develop themselves," it said.

Xin Ming, professor with the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, took the amendment as "the right move at the right time."

A fundamental law of the Party, the Constitution holds the highest authority within the organization and has binding power over all CPC members.